And ministers were told allowing people to set up 'support bubbles' could have a "large effect" on the epidemic. The advice came two weeks after Boris Johnson sparked headlines and confusion after declaring he wanted to "get going" on easing lockdown measures. Sage, the government's coronavirus advisory body, told ministers the risk of making multiple changes to the rules at the same time was "significant." And they warned "overall public adherence with social distancing measures will likely be diminished by [the Government] signalling its intent to release even some of the measures." The meeting minutes also warned the public response to government making multiple changes to lockdown rules at the same time was "highly unpredictable."

Source: Daily Mirror June 19, 2020 16:01 UTC